UK Citizenship for Indian Nationals: How to Get It and What to Know

minority group. With more Indian professionals, students, and families settling long-term, the demand for UK citizenship for Indian nationals is rising.

Indian citizens can apply for British citizenship through naturalisation, typically after five years of residency, or through marriage to a UK citizen. However, India does not permit dual citizenship. Once you obtain a British passport, you are required to renounce your Indian citizenship.

To maintain their connection to India, many new British citizens of Indian origin apply for an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card. It offers visa-free access, work rights, and other long-term privileges in India.

This guide covers who is eligible, how the application works, what documents you need, and what to expect after becoming a UK citizen.

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UK Citizenship for Indian Citizens: Overview

UK citizenship for Indian nationals is possible through clearly defined legal pathways, mainly naturalisation or marriage to a British citizen. Each route has specific eligibility conditions related to residency, immigration status, and documentation.

Main Routes to British Citizenship for Indian Citizens: 

1. Naturalisation Route
   • Live in the UK legally for at least 5 years.
   • Hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) for at least 1 year.
   • Pass the Life in the UK Test and meet English language requirements.
   • Be of good character (no serious criminal history or immigration violations).
2. Marriage or Civil Partnership Route
   • Be married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen.
   • Reside in the UK for at least 3 years with ILR.
   • Meet the same language and legal requirements as above.
3. By Descent (limited cases)
   • Applies only if one or both parents are British citizens by birth or naturalisation.
   • Conditions vary depending on whether the applicant was born in the UK or abroad.

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Step-by-Step UK Naturalisation Process for Indian Citizens

Naturalisation is the most common pathway for Indian nationals seeking UK citizenship. If you have legally lived in the UK for several years, either through work, study, or family sponsorship, you may be eligible to apply. 

Below is a step-by-step guide to help you understand the full process, from eligibility to receiving your British passport.

Step 1. Meet the Basic Eligibility Criteria

• Minimum age: 18
• Must be of good character
• Must intend to live in the UK permanently
• Generally requires 5 years of residence in the UK
• Must hold Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Settled Status for at least 12 months
• For spouses of British citizens: eligible after 3 years of residence with ILR

Step 2. Residency & Absence Limits

• Must have been physically present in the UK on the exact date 5 years before the application
• Should not have spent more than 450 days outside the UK during the 5 years
• No more than 90 days abroad in the last 12 months

Step 3. Pass the Language and Knowledge Tests

• English language requirement: IELTS or equivalent (level B1)
• Life in the UK Test: A 24-question test based on British culture, law, and history

Step 3. Prepare Your Documents

• Indian passport and Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
• ILR/settled status proof
• Life in the UK Test certificate
• Proof of residence (council tax, utility bills, tenancy agreements)
• Marriage certificate (if applying through spouse route)

Step 4. Submit the Online Application

• Apply via the UK Government website
• Use Form AN (online or post)
• Fill in personal, residence, and immigration history
• Upload supporting documents

Step 5. Book a Biometrics Appointment

• Attend a UKVCAS centre for fingerprinting and a photo
• Bring original documents if required

Step 6. Await Decision

• Standard processing time: up to 6 months
• You may be contacted for additional information

Step 7. Attend the Citizenship Ceremony

• After approval, you will receive an invitation to a citizenship ceremony
• You will take the Oath of Allegiance and receive your Certificate of Naturalisation

Step 8. Apply for a British Passport

• After the ceremony, you can apply for a British passport, officially completing your transition from an Indian to a UK citizen

Eligibility for UK Citizenship for Indian Passport Holders

Indian passport holders can apply for UK citizenship primarily through naturalisation or marriage to a British citizen, subject to meeting the official criteria. 

Below are the key eligibility conditions:

Documents and Fees Required for UK Citizenship

Applying for UK citizenship as an Indian passport holder involves compiling several official documents and paying mandatory application fees. The UK Home Office uses these to verify identity, immigration history, and eligibility under the naturalisation route.

Below is a clear overview of the essential documents and the standard fees in 2025:

Required Documents for UK Citizenship

Applicants must have the following documents before beginning the naturalisation process. These support identity verification, lawful stay, and fulfilment of UK citizenship requirements.

Application Fees for UK Citizenship (2025)

Applicants must also budget for standard UK naturalisation fees, which cover application processing, biometrics, and relevant tests. Below is the breakdown of fee requirements: